Chapter 162
She was inexperienced and somewhat dull when it came to her own emotions. But that didn’t mean she was oblivious or foolish. Sebelia could sense something she couldn’t ignore in Dehart behavior, the way he clung to her.
He had intense despair and regret in his eyes, yet there was an unwavering determination to never leave her side, a maddening stubbornness that wouldn’t allow him to witness her death, even if his own life were at risk.
And through all of that, his desire to never ‘lose’ Sebelia again.
It wasn’t my mistake.
Back at the research lab, Dehart had clung to her, insisting that he had never lost his memory. She had returned the words he’d once used on her, telling him not to forget his place. His reaction to that had been… far beyond her expectations.
It was as if he had been betrayed by the person he loved—his face contorted with anguish. The moment she saw it, Sebelia was overwhelmed by a chilling and lowly pain.
Why now…?
But perhaps it was just a misunderstanding. The emotions he felt for her might not be love but a sense of duty as a Duke, or perhaps guilt for failing to protect his family as a leader.
That was why.
[Of course, I hope it’s something worth interrupting my time for.]
She had whispered the words he had spoken to her before, hoping to see how he would react, what kind of gaze he would give her.
To understand what lay hidden under his determination and guilt, Sebelia had not hesitated to repeat the words that had once stabbed at her heart. And the outcome, sadly, seemed to align with her expectations.
His eyes that were once bright like the sun, twisted horribly, his breath shaking in discomfort. His warmth, once fierce like a burning fire, cooled instantly, and the air that had gently surrounded him shattered violently.
“Ha.”
Sebelia exhaled a soft sigh and lowered her gaze.
Yes, the emotion buried deep in his heart was a maddening affection. It was a late-blooming bud, one so fragile it could never withstand even a drop of rain.
You loved me. And after losing me, you were consumed by despair and couldn’t bear my death anymore.
That was enough. There was nothing more to uncover from him. With cold, steady eyes, Sebelia scanned the window. His face that was following her closely, was reflected in the glass.
His once radiant eyes were now dark and lifeless. Over them, dark clouds began to creep in, slowly covering the sky.
“Ah.”
A soft exclamation escaped Sebelia’s lips as the rain began to fall on the garden soil.
* * *
“The rain is coming in.”
A young butler closed the window and glanced over at Ryan, who had been engrossed in writing a letter. Ryan looked up belatedly, opening his mouth in realization.
“This paper almost got soaked. Thank you. With the rain so heavy, it looks like a storm is coming.”
Ryan grimaced as he finished writing. In his hurry, the last words were hastily scribbled, ink splattering messily on the paper.
“I understand your urgency, but don’t you think it’s time to take it easy?”
The young butler said with sympathetic eyes looking at Ryan.
“Lady Flora, no… even Miss Flora is being detained in the tower, and Marquis Limms suddenly left Hillend Hall without any explanation and hasn’t returned…”
Just yesterday, a grand banquet was hosted by Flora.
The chandeliers glittered with light, and champagne sparkled in every glass. Those uninvited swallowed their jealousy and disappointment as they looked at the mansion on the hill, while the invited guests entered the hall draped in silk and jewels.
And then, as if waiting for the right moment, Ryan had mobilized his knights and stormed the place. The hall, instead of being filled with joy and pleasure, was now packed with shock and chaos.
[What is this…?]
[Seal the entrances, and escort the lady.]
A heavy voice echoed as the knights who were standing in formation, moved in sync to shut the heavy doors of the hall and surround Flora.
The aristocrats, who had been enjoying their conversations in small groups, now looked at each other in shock. Soon, a calm but forceful voice filled the hall.
[Flora Roehnal Inverness, in the name of the owner of Hillend Hall and the ruler of the north, Duke Inverness, from this moment you are hereby detained in the tower. The charges include embezzling and hiding the family’s assets for personal gain.]
Flora was unable to escape. She was caught by the knights and stared at Ryan in disbelief, her eyes wide open.
[What nonsense is this?! Where is Grandfather?]
Flora instinctively looked for Limms, but it was no use. He had fallen into the trap set by Ryan and Dehart and fled to the black market. No one was left to protect her. Flora, who had always relied on others’ power to wield her own, was powerless.
What a ridiculous face.
Ryan, recalling the scene with the butler, muttered curtly as he dropped melted wax onto the envelope.
“Marquis Limms will return soon.”
The butler, who was in the middle of pulling the curtains, froze. Ryan sensed it but ignored it. It wasn’t something that needed hiding.
Ryan stamped the wax with the seal of Hillend Hall and sprinkled a pinch of black powder on the wax.
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